One of the most devastating types of car accidents occurs when a motorist makes an improper turn directly into an oncoming lane of traffic. Unfortunately, these types of car accidents remain increasingly common. The Insurance Information Institute (III) research states that in 2017 alone, there were over 3,800 deaths resulting from car accidents caused by improper turns on the roadways in the United States.
If you suffered any kind of losses or injuries resulting from another motorist making an improper turn, you likely face astronomical medical bills, the loss of wages due to your inability to return to work, property damage, and pain and suffering. Learn how a car accidents caused by an improper turn lawyer at Ben Crump Law, PLLC at (844) 730-0233 can help you learn more about your legal rights following your car accident.
Understanding the Different Types of Improper Turns
There are many different types of improper turns that can occur on the roadways. If you suffered injuries as a result of a driver making an improper turn, you should remember to request a copy of the police report that details the police officer’s impressions of the accident. This police report will also indicate whether or not the officer issued any citations to the other driver for an improper turn. Some examples of improper turns that can result in a serious accident include the following:
Improper Left Turns
Improper left turns occur when a motorist is in an intersection and attempts to make a left turn across a lane of traffic heading in the opposite direction. In some cases, a motorist will wait in the middle of the intersection until all traffic clears and it remains safe for him or her to turn left. The motorist has a responsibility to ensure that all traffic clears and pedestrians are out of the roadway before completing their left turn.
Unfortunately, when a driver pulls into oncoming traffic as a result of an improper left turn a serious accident may occur by another vehicle “t-boning” the driver at a perpendicular angle. Some of the causes of car accidents caused by improper left turns include the following:
- Distracted driving (texting while driving, eating, drinking, using a cell phone, checking a GPS location, changing the radio station, smoking, etc.)
- Speeding or driving recklessly
- Making a left turn without properly checking for oncoming traffic, motorcyclists, pedestrians and/or bicyclists
- Failure to obey a stop sign or traffic signal
- Failure to signal a left turn
- Beginning to make a left turn before it is safe
- Failure to judge oncoming traffic
- Inclement weather causing poor visibility
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Left-turn accidents are extremely common, and the driver of the vehicle making the improper left turn will remain liable and responsible for the accident unless an independent investigation determines that another driver failed to stop at a red light or stop sign.
Improper U-Turns
U-turns occur when a motorist literally turns completely in the other direction and drives in the opposite lane of traffic going in a different direction. Some places disallow U-turns, while other intersections and areas will allow U-turns at an intersection or roadway. Every driver should know the traffic rules and regulations related to U-turns and always check for signs to determine if a U-turn is actually legal in that particular area or intersection.
A driver attempting a U-turn must always make certain that no vehicles are in the center of the roadway or traveling in the opposite direction so that they can make a safe U-turn into oncoming traffic. While a motorist does have the legal right to pull into an intersection in order to start the process of a U-turn, they still must make sure that there are no pedestrians, bicyclists, or motorcyclists.
If a driver making a U-turn does so with too much speed, or without checking the area that it is clear of any motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, or motorcyclists, any accident that occurs will remain the responsibility of the motorist that attempted the U-turn.
Improper Right Turns
In some cases, it remains completely legal to make a right turn at an intersection, even if the stoplight is red. Motorists attempting to make a right turn on red must still come to a full and complete stop prior to making their right turn and ensure that it is safe to do so. Failure to actually come to a full and complete stop may result in a driver not fully examining their surroundings. Without a full stop, a motorist may fail to see a pedestrian, bicyclist, motorcyclist, or other oncoming traffic, causing a car accident.
Car Accident Injuries Caused by an Improper Turn
Every car accident will have a different set of facts and circumstances. However, when a motorist makes an improper turn, they are most typically entering or crossing over an oncoming stream of traffic. This can result in head-on collisions, sideswiping accidents, or t-boning accidents.
Victims may suffer severe injuries, including internal organ damage, internal bleeding, and traumatic brain injuries. If you suffered any kind of injury or losses as a result of a motorist making an improper turn, learn how a car accidents caused by an improper turn lawyer at Ben Crump Law, PLLC can help you seek compensation for your injuries.
Consider How an Improper Turns Lawyer Can Help
If you suffered injuries as a result of someone making an improper turn, you may have the right to receive compensation for your injuries. Learn more about your legal rights by contacting Ben Crump Law, PLLC at (844) 730-0233 today.
